Fright Night (1985): The Horror/Comedy About the Vampire Next Door

How did Tom Holland's Fright Night push the horror/comedy crossover to success?Fright Night sprung out of the 1980s when horror/comedy blends were new and getting springy.Unlike many cult classics, the movie actually succeeded at release, yet still has the creativity, heart, and scares to find new audiences through today.When young Charley Brewster suspects his next-door neighbor, Jerry Dandrige, is a vampire, he turns to Peter Vincent, a horror-themed TV show host, for help. And when Jerry lines up Charley's girlfriend, Amy, as his next victim, Charley and Peter will have to find their bravery to stand up to Jerry.Join me for a discussion of the film's scary effects but playful and campy tone, the likability of its characters, and how three -- in this case -- isn't a crowd.Written and directed by Tom Holland. Starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Stephen Geoffreys, and Roddy McDowall.Connect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com